Dubai Aquarium in a Nutshell
Discover the mesmerising Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, nestled within the vibrant Dubai Mall in bustling Downtown Dubai. Step into a 48-metre tunnel on the ground level, where the Dubai Aquarium unfolds with its 10 million-litre tank and one of the world’s largest collections of sand tiger sharks. Dubai Aquarium tickets provide access to attractions like the Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, Behind the Scenes Tour, Underwater Observatory, Submersible Simulator, Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat Ride, VRZoo 360, and Fish Feeding. Explore the Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean environments, and more on level 2. Encounter a diverse marine life range, from sharks and otters to catfish and jellyfish. You can even meet the famous crocodile and shark up close. For an extra thrill, opt for a glass-bottom boat ride and fish feeding (additional fee). This immersive experience, blending the rainforest, zoo, and tunnel, offers a marine adventure second only to real sea life—a must-visit destination at the Dubai Mall.
Things to do in Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Shark Walker (cage) : Engage in a personal and intimate encounter with the 33,000 inhabitants of the vast 10-million-litre tank. Join us daily at the Dubai Mall Aquarium for a unique opportunity to stroll alongside the planet’s supreme predators while wearing an oxygen-infused helmet that enables underwater breathing. This aquarium stands as one of the globe’s largest suspended aquariums and serves as the residence for over 33,000 creatures. Within the tank dwell upwards of 400 sharks and rays, including the most extensive assemblage of sand tiger sharks globally.
Shark Walker Ticket Price : AED 620.00
Cage Snorkelling : Participate in the Cage Snorkelling Experience, an opportunity for visitors to dive into the vast 10 million-litre tank without traditional diving gear. Suitable for ages 8 and above, no prior experience is needed. For non-divers, experience the thrill within a secure cage. Don snorkelling gear, enter the protective cage, and witness over 70 marine species, including 300 sharks and rays, up close.
Cage Snorkelling Ticket Price : AED 370.00
Scuba Diving : New to diving? Explore PADI’s Discover Scuba Diver program at Dubai Aquarium. In collaboration with Al Boom Diving, dive into the wonders of scuba diving within this mesmerizing setting. Sessions at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. include theory, safety instructions, and skills in a secure enclosure. Master the basics and dive into the vast 10 million-liter aquarium for an immersive experience.
Scuba Diving Ticket Price : 100 – 200 AED
Shark Diving : Immerse yourself in the watery realm alongside Sand Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Giant Groupers, Stingrays, and a diverse array of marine species during your diving adventure, offered in partnership with Al Boom Diving. With only three shark dive sessions available daily, each accommodating up to four divers, you’re in for an exclusive experience. A certified divemaster and dive instructor will be by your side, providing guidance and assistance throughout your underwater journey. The package includes a complete set of diving equipment, with the option to purchase swimsuits separately. Certified divers can dive right in with their recognised dive institution certification, while non-certified divers can partake in scuba adventures by completing a brief Discover Scuba programme in collaboration with the partner, Al Boom Diving.
Shark Diving Ticket Price: AED 790.00
VR Zoo : They have journeyed across the globe to record endangered species within their native environments using immersive VR technology. Become a part of a gorilla family in Uganda’s Great Impenetrable Forest, glide alongside massive whale sharks in the pristine Maldives waters, and trace the footsteps of elephants through the lush savannas of South Africa.
Experiences at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Aquarium Tank : The Dubai Aquarium features a massive 10-million-litre tank that ranks among the globe’s biggest suspended aquariums. Within its depths reside a multitude of aquatic creatures, encompassing more than 140 different species. Housing over 300 sharks and rays, this tank is home to an extensive assembly of sand tiger sharks, constituting one of the most substantial collections worldwide. Visitors have various opportunities to engage with the primary aquarium tank, which boasts dimensions of 51 metres in length, 20 metres in width, and 11 metres in height.
Aquarium Tunnel : Positioned on the lower level of Dubai Mall, the 48-metre walk-through tunnel offers a 270-degree panoramic perspective, situated 11 metres beneath the tank’s surface. This setting is ideal for capturing photographs as marine inhabitants gracefully swim directly above, creating an enchanting photo opportunity.
Underwater Zoo : Explore the Underwater Zoo and delve into the captivating realm of creatures that inhabit our rivers and oceans. Positioned on Level 2, just above the aquarium tank, the Underwater Zoo guides you across three distinct ecological zones: rainforest, rocky shore, and living ocean. Be on the lookout for these fascinating aquatic inhabitants within the Underwater Zoo: otters, piranhas, lionfish, giant spider crabs, seahorses, garden eels, archerfish, water rats, paddlefish, cichlids, and an array of other remarkable aquatic animals showcased in 40 separate aquatic displays.
Animal Encounters at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
King Croc Encounter: Meet a colossal 40-year-old crocodile, originally from Australia. It weighs a whopping 750 kilograms and stretches over 5 metres long. Initially just 2.4 metres long and considered a ‘problem’ by locals, it found a safer home in Queensland, Australia. With regular meals and a protected environment, this crocodile, now known as King Croc, became one of the planet’s most fearsome reptiles. And there’s more to come—King Croc is expected to grow even bigger over the next 50 years. He’s not alone; he shares his habitat with ‘Queen Croc,’ an impressive 80-year-old female companion. These creatures are true marvels of nature.
Penguin Encounter : Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is proud to host 16 charming Gentoo penguins, evenly divided between 8 males and 8 females. As part of the Aqua Nursery experience tickets, a visit to the “Penguin Cove” is included, serving as an introductory step until the upcoming “Penguin Encounter” opens in early August. This exciting new experience grants visitors the opportunity to enter the Penguin Cove habitat, getting up close and personal with the lively Gentoo penguin colony, all while gaining insights into their captivating natural behaviours.
Otter Encounter : The tiniest among the 13 otter species and originally from Asia, these otters are a unique feature at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the otters’ living space with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and engage with these adorable and charming creatures. Additionally, a special educational presentation on otters is available. The facility has also initiated an active otter breeding programme, demonstrating its dedication to their preservation and collaborating closely with conservationists, local communities, wildlife groups, and governmental bodies to support otter protection efforts.
Ray Encounter : At Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, you have the fantastic opportunity to interact with and feed 50 rays, experiencing the thrill of meeting these graceful creatures up close. Come to our specially crafted ray feeding platform, where you can hand-feed our fearless Eagle Rays and Cownose Rays. It’s a truly remarkable experience as these curious and gentle beings emerge from the water to accept fish from your hands. Rays are truly wondrous creatures, and feeding them is entirely safe and guaranteed to leave you with a delightful grin.
Shark Trainer Encounter : This family-oriented adventure provides an educational opportunity for guests to learn about various shark species and the meticulous care they receive at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. The informative content focuses on their habitat, feeding routines, and breeding behaviours. Moreover, visitors have the chance to gain insight into the behind-the-scenes efforts by assisting aquarium personnel in training bamboo sharks and leopard sharks. While wearing waterproof waders that immerse them up to their waist, guests can enter the tank for an exclusive “trainer” experience, engaging directly with the sharks.
Feeding Presentations : Experience daily captivating presentations at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where you’ll witness stunning scenes through one of the world’s largest aquarium windows. Observe the grace of rays as they glide through the water, indulging in meals from the hands of skilled divers during the daily Ray Feeding at 10:30 a.m. Dinnertime at the aquarium is anything but dull with the shark feeding spectacle at 2 p.m., where the fearless divers enter the 10-million-litre tank to nourish resident sharks. For the best view, grab an Aquarium Tunnel ticket, providing a vantage point 11 metres beneath the surface. Animal enthusiasts can engage with knowledgeable educators stationed throughout the facility for insights into otters and piranhas during their daily presentations at 02:30 pm and 02:45 pm, respectively. For a breathtaking underwater view, embark on a guided glass-bottom boat ride, offering a unique perspective of the 10-million-litre tank teeming with over 33,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks and rays. Rides depart from Underwater Zoo on Level 2 every 10 to 20 minutes, with a capacity of 10 passengers per boat. Departure times may vary based on availability.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Ticket Price
The price for the Standard Pass, including access to the Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo, will be AED 128.33 per person. If you want to opt for the Standard Pass + Penguin Cove Pass, including access to the Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, Penguin Cove (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.), and a guided behind-the-scenes tour, the price would be AED 165. For the Explorer Pass, including access to the Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, and Glass Bottom Boat Tour, the price would be AED 204.8.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Location
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are conveniently located in Downtown Dubai’s busy Dubai Mall. The mall’s attractions are accessible from several locations, making it ideal for city tourists.
How to reach Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
By Metro:Go to “Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall” on the Red Line. Dubai Mall entrance is through the Metro Link Bridge. Follow aquarium and underwater zoo signage.
By Car: Parking in Dubai Mall’s specified locations Mall signs direct you to the aquarium. Note: Peak parking is crowded.
Taxi: Take a cab to Dubai Mall. Follow indications to the aquarium and underwater zoo upon arrival.
By bus: Dubai has a large bus network. Check the nearest bus route to the Dubai Mall, and then visit the aquarium and underwater zoo.
By Foot: The Dubai Mall is walkable from Downtown Dubai. The aquarium and underwater zoo are within the mall after following the signage.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Timings
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are open daily from 10:00 AM to 11:15 PM on Saturdays and Sundays and Monday to Friday.
Essential Information Before you visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
- Pets are not allowed inside the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
- There is no specific dress code for Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo; comfortable and casual attire is recommended for the best experience.
- Children under 2 years of age receive free admission, while those aged 2 and above are charged the adult fare.
- Pregnant women and children under 3 years old are not allowed to participate in activities like the Glass Bottom Boat ride or Shark Week exhibit.
- Explorer Pass is also not advised for pregnant women due to safety concerns.
- Please be aware that the last admission is permitted up to 30 minutes before closing time. Remember to bring your cameras to capture marine life during your visit to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Tips to follow at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo FAQs
How much is a Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ticket?
The Standard Pass costs AED 128.33 per person. AED 165 gets you the Standard Pass + Penguin Cove Pass.
The Explorer Pass costs AED 204.8.Is it worth visiting the Dubai Aquarium?
It is. Beautiful underwater tunnels, educational exhibits, and marine life exhibits make it memorable. One of the world’s largest suspended aquariums, the 10-million-liter marine animal tank is 11 meters (36 ft) deep.
How deep is the Dubai Aquarium?
The largest aquarium in Dubai is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, with a 10-million-liter tank and marine species! The 48-meter (157-foot) aquarium tunnel lets visitors observe and experience aquatic life.
Which Dubai aquarium is the largest?
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, with its 10-million-liter tank and teeming marine life, is Dubai’s biggest aquarium.
How long is the Dubai Aquarium tunnel ?
Visit Dubai Aquarium’s nearly 48-meter (157-foot) aquarium tunnel to appreciate the aquatic atmosphere.
What is the difference between the Dubai Aquarium and the Underwater Zoo?
The Dubai Aquarium comprises a vast tank of marine life, while the Underwater Zoo has interactive displays with otters, piranhas, and penguins.
How long does it take to walk around Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ?
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo take 2–3 hours to tour. However, personal preferences might affect length. Marine lovers and inquiring minds should visit this site for its fascinating and instructive experience.
